WASHINGTON, D.C. -- A congressional subcommittee's appropriations bill budgets $40 million for the Facility for Rare Isotope Beams at Michigan State University in 2013, increasing the project's funding by $18 million from the federal government's proposal.

The House Energy and Water Appropriations Subcommittee on Wednesday released its funding bill. Rep. Mike Rogers, R-Brighton, who serves on the overseeing House Energy and Commerce Committee, lauded the increased funding for the FRIB.

"MSU has long worked to make FRIB a centerpiece of America's research profile
and a critical part of Michigan's economic future," he said in a statement. "Ensuring that
it receives a proper amount of federal funding will continue to help Michigan
stand out for possessing one of the top-rated nuclear physics programs in the
country."

The
$550 million FRIB was awarded to MSU in 2008, bringing with it
projections of more than $1 billion in economic activity for the Greater
Lansing region over 20 years and creating 400 permanent jobs, not
including construction.

Ground
is expected to be broken in the summer. The facility will be located
adjacent to MSU's National Superconducting Cyclotron Laboratory, which
is near the corner of Shaw Lane and Bogue Street.

The FRIB is
expected to employ some 400 people and create 5,000 construction jobs.
The hiring process is already under way as MSU has selected about 100 new
staff members for the FRIB project.

"The entire MSU community has rallied around FRIB and the huge jobs and
economic impact it will have in mid-Michigan," Rogers said. "I am pleased
to be able to announce that this important federal funding level will keep the
project moving forward on time and on track."

The House Energy and Water Appropriations Subcommittee's bill has to be approved by the full House.

MSU
and the state's congressional delegation waged an intense campaign for
the FRIB, overcoming competition from the Argonne National Laboratory in
Illinois.